You’ve likely heard of social media marketing before—the Internet has been buzzing about it since Facebook opened its doors more than a decade ago. But while some businesses have embraced it, others still aren’t sure how to get started or if they should at all.
If you’re one of the latter, here are seven benefits of social media marketing that will help you figure out how your small business can benefit from it.
1) Brand Awareness
Brand awareness refers to how often a brand is seen and talked about on social media. On average, almost 80% of consumers are using social media when researching new products or services which means it's important to have a presence across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.
Once your business has built up a good following on these channels, you'll be able to post about special offers and promotions which will help make potential customers aware of your business.
In addition, every time someone interacts with your posts (likes, shares etc) this also shows in their friends' newsfeeds meaning more people get to see your content.
It's all about getting the word out there and having people talking about you - the more exposure the better!
2) SEO
1. Reputation management - Creating an online reputation will help your company earn trust from your customers and establish credibility among your competitors. Plus, having a social media presence will show prospective clients that you're active and in the know.
2. Social branding - Establishing your company as a socially responsible brand can help make new clients more likely to trust your business with their most precious possessions, like family heirlooms or expensive cars.
3. Customer service - Customers expect excellent customer service and are quick to criticize when they don't get it. The best way to meet these expectations is by monitoring feedback on social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
4. Content creation - Your potential clients have different preferences for content than you do so it's important to share content that appeals to them too!
3) Traffic
The internet is not the only game in town when it comes to getting people interested in your brand. More and more companies are turning to social media as a means of reaching their target audience and engaging with them on an emotional level. You will also have access to analytics tools that can help you to track every movement your followers make on these networks, which is great if you're looking for a boost to your traffic numbers!
4) Lead Generation
Every business needs customers to be successful. Social media is a crucial part of lead generation. It's important to post content that resonates with your target market and using platforms that are appropriate for the message.
A great way to increase exposure is by following influencers in your industry on social channels like Twitter and LinkedIn as well as sharing relevant content with their followers via LinkedIn groups, Twitter chats, or Facebook groups.
You can also search hashtags related to your product or service and engage with people who have used it or inquired about it. You never know who may see your content!
Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest provide additional ways to build connections with potential leads through visually engaging posts such as behind-the-scenes pictures from events or daily life at your company.
For an extra dose of online promotion, include links to articles or press releases about your company on your website and blog posts.
Remember that not everyone will find out about you through these avenues so don't forget to do other traditional forms of advertising such as word-of-mouth advertising, local events, networking opportunities, etc.
5) Relationship Building
One benefit of social media is that it is a great way to make connections. You may already be on your favorite social media sites and meeting new people from all over the world, but if not you should be!
Even if it's just to say hi. Make a good first impression, it could lead to an amazing friendship.
6) Word of Mouth
While a great product is an absolute must, if there are few people talking about it then it will never really take off. That's where social media marketing can come in handy.
Done correctly, using social channels to market your product or service will increase your business' visibility and grow your customer base by giving you the ability to reach a wide variety of potential customers.
7) Customer Service
Posting a quick message on social media not only saves the time and hassle of calling customer service, but it also usually generates a quicker response than if the customer were to contact customer service themselves.
Customer service through social media also provides an outlet for customers who are dissatisfied with their current products, giving them a space to share their opinion and give feedback on how they want the product improved in the future.
It is also helpful when trying to reach out to new potential customers, as posts have a greater chance of being seen by more people when they appear in search results and the news feed.
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